Seattle Kraken Claim Nashville Predators Young Forward

The Seattle Kraken have added to their roster as they've claimed Nashville Predators forward Eeli Tolvanen off waivers. Tolvanen heads to his second team after being a one-time top prospect in Nashville.

The 23-year-old forward was a surprise waiver entry on Sunday by Predators GM David Poile and many felt he would not make it through waivers. The shoot-first winger was a first-round selection back at the 2017 entry draft.

So far this season, Tolvanen has recorded two goals and two assists and has only appeared in 13 games, often times sitting in the press box as a healthy scratch. He's signed through the 2023-24 season at $1.45 million against the cap and will be a restricted free agent once his deal expires.

Eeli Tolvanen has been placed on waivers. #Preds pic.twitter.com/yp2nj0XOjR

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) December 11, 2022

After becoming quite the rookie sensation and bursting on the scene for the Preds, there hasn't been enough consistency from Tolvanen's game and ultimately, Nashville felt they were better suited without him in the lineup. He'll be given an opportunity with the Kraken and likely will start in a bottom-six role and should be produce be moved up their lineup. Seattle waived Karson Kuhlman to open up a spot for their new forward.

Photo credit:  Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports